Islamabad, February 28 Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with the leaders of Qatar and the UAE on Saturday, discussing the latest regional escalation following joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Sharif spoke with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Sharif "strongly condemned the serious regional escalation resulting from the Israeli attack on Iran earlier today, followed by the regrettable attacks against Qatar as well as other Gulf countries."
Referring to their recent meeting in Doha, the prime minister "reaffirmed Pakistan's full solidarity and support for the brotherly State of Qatar amid the current crisis."
He assured the Emir that Pakistan would "always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Qatar and play a positive role in ensuring peace and stability in the region."
Separately, the prime minister also spoke with UAE leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The prime minister "strongly condemned the serious regional escalation resulting from the Israeli attack on Iran," which was followed by "the regrettable attacks against the UAE, in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as other Gulf countries."
The prime minister also expressed his sadness at the tragic death of a Pakistani national in the missile attack on Abu Dhabi.
He assured the UAE leadership of Pakistan's solidarity and support in the current crisis.
He said that Pakistan would "always stand with its 'Emirati brothers and sisters,' consistent with the close fraternal bonds between both countries."
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE, Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to the Foreign Office.
"Both leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, expressed serious concern over recent developments, and agreed to remain in close contact," the Foreign Office said.